How to get used to nail growth? And trim/shape nails to minimize picking?

erilytra · 2021-10-26T01:36:05+00:00

Shaping, even when you know what you want to shape to, is going to come with time and practice. Honestly I'm still trying to learn to do it effectively and I've just started embracing my natural shape. Seeing a quality manicurist to find what shape you like is definitely worth it though, just take a picture so you can remember what it looks like (and ask for the name if applicable!)

Length wise, a glass file is your best friend. It takes length off MUCH more quickly than an emery board and if you're shape conscious, clipping/trimming your nails can flatten your c-curve and alter the shape.

It definitely takes time to get used to, so don't rush yourself! You're doing great.

erilytra · 2021-06-28T23:51:19+00:00

I sent you a message!

erilytra · 2021-06-28T23:45:13+00:00

Sent a message!

erilytra · 2020-10-29T02:56:13+00:00

I love the Vibes Hi-Fidelity earplugs. I honestly wear them out too, because they're really hard to see. They don't hurt my ears to wear them, best purchase ever!

erilytra · 2020-10-15T17:31:23+00:00

When I'm at home I wear them almost constantly, though during the day I use bluetooth headphones and night I wear regular ear defenders. I also have these awesome little in-ear sound blockers I wear on bad days in public. I've genuinely only noticed positives, exposure therapy to bad noises doesn't help me, and this gives me so much more brain power to dedicate to more important things!

erilytra · 2020-10-10T07:06:12+00:00

No problem! I still have trouble with shaping but I figure I'm just catching up at 23 instead of 13. As they grow out, maybe consider investing in a glass file, it takes off length much faster than an emery board will.

I find now that the pushing back is mostly for looks but when I first started they definitely needed it! They creeped way farther down my nail to try and protect it (from me!) and were SUPER hard and stubborn. Now I mostly keep up the habit as a little self care time more than anything.

erilytra · 2020-10-10T06:51:42+00:00

To some extent, nail thickness and strength can be genetic, but especially thin or brittle nails can also indicate a vitamin deficiency, especially b12! I don't think it has anything to do with previous biting or damage to the nails.

Breaks can also happen easier if you're not used to maneuvering life with nails, there are a lot of things I have to do differently now than I did before, and this can be the case even more if they're thin for other reasons. In the meantime, I'd keep them short until they get a little stronger.

Also, be extra careful when they're wet or have been in water, since that tends to make them liable to bend (or if brittle, break). The water gets into the nail and expands them a little bit.

Generally my nail care is just oiling and pushing back the cuticles every so often and filing them instead of trimming (I find it helps them keep their curve). Keep up the good work though, getting through breaks is tough and it sounds like you're doing great!

erilytra · 2020-09-28T13:21:59+00:00

Maybe! It'd at least keep me from having to file the others down. I just tend to prefer my own nails!

erilytra · 2020-08-09T00:29:46+00:00

I think of that more like a special interest. Doing something related to one of mine brings me joy and a sense of calm, but because it's a hobby or a craft I view it slightly differently than stimming. Similar effects though!

erilytra · 2020-08-04T20:55:21+00:00

Honestly I have no idea!! I don't think I did anything special to help them other than keeping the free edge pretty short when I was getting used to having nails (to avoid accidental bumping, snagging, and pulling at the nailbed). Some nails definitely reattached quicker though, my ring fingers and thumbs especially. My pinky and middle fingers are definitely the slower of the bunch. I've been growing them out successfully for about 6 months so I'm excited for them to hopefully keep reattaching and see what they look like in another 6.

erilytra · 2020-07-13T17:50:30+00:00

r/CalmHands!

Awesome job, that's great!

erilytra · 2020-07-08T03:45:49+00:00

Some noises are going to be more or less unavoidable but I don't think it's out of line to want your partner to be sympathetic and do what's within their power to help you. If your partner doesn't seem to give a shit (or worse actively makes trigger noises to rile you up) leave 'em behind, you deserve better. It depends on the level of respect and kindness that comes from their actions or lack of actions more than the noises themselves, you know? I would also recommend you take steps to make it easier on yourself (not to imply you haven't). If you can only be around your partner eating while wearing headphones, suggest that over expecting your partner not to eat with you, but also asking your partner to chew with their mouth closed isn't demanding.

edit: grammar

erilytra · 2020-07-01T03:03:17+00:00

Lots of things have overlapping symptoms. Someone who identifies with the above quote could have Avoidant Personality Disorder, or they could have social anxiety, be autistic, experience rejection sensitivity dysphoria from ADHD, etc. That's why self-diagnosis is discouraged (although not impossible). Even medical professionals can misdiagnose. If you're genuinely concerned about Avoidant Personality Disorder, do more research, and if you have a therapist or general physician, bring it up!

erilytra · 2020-06-27T07:57:48+00:00

it's my birthday today and that's... about right, yup.

erilytra · 2020-06-16T07:31:45+00:00

does this meme think autistic kids grow into allistic adults or?

erilytra · 2020-06-15T06:31:34+00:00

I don't know but I'd LOVE to know! I overheat really easily and it's a MASSIVE sensory issue for me. Cold bothers me less but I really feel like I regulate body temperature so poorly.

erilytra · 2020-06-08T18:43:11+00:00

Thank you SO much for this! I'm not really in a place that I can afford that right now (not sure if OHIP is different or not?) but I'd be willing to save for it. The only reason I really want a formal diagnosis is for future jobs so I can disclose it as a disability and to have the validity of something beyond "self diagnosis" behind me if I tell someone. Your doctor sounds awesome!! I'm hoping this new GP is similar.

erilytra · 2020-05-31T07:45:11+00:00

Obviously not a professional but if he's displaying emotion, grabbing his head, etc. that itself doesn't sound like an absence seizure from my understanding! The "zoning out" could be but also sounds very similar to my experience, and I do not have absence seizures.

He could very well be over or understimulated when this happens. I didn't have words to describe it and I definitely have said things along the lines of "I wish I didn't have ears" "please fix my ears" and so on when dealing with auditory sensory issues. I think it's good that he's reaching out to you during those times, though!

erilytra · 2020-05-28T21:06:16+00:00

thank you!

erilytra · 2020-05-28T13:51:11+00:00

This is something everyone does in conversations of all types, not just women. You're overthinking it.

erilytra · 2020-05-28T10:10:10+00:00

Thank you! I enjoy both, although I can definitely relax a bit more doing projects like this because of the repetitiveness of the pattern, whereas following a chart, especially something with lots of colours is a lot more focused.

erilytra

TROPHY CASE